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A tasteful blend of food and music with the scenery of Lake Lanier on a beautiful fall evening: Can you top that for a Saturday night outing?

For the 14th year, Lake Lanier Rowing Club will be host to the Taste of Gainesville festival. The club's annual fundraising event that blends good food with good music.

From 6-9 p.m. Saturday, LLRC will welcome the people of Gainesville and surrounding areas to the Lake Lanier Olympic venue for live entertainment from local musicians and food samples from area restaurants.

LLRC member and Hall County educator Kathy Mellette said that the festival is always a big hit with the people who come out.

"It's always so much fun. We can't wait to do it again. It's a great way to enjoy the beautiful Olympic venue on a wonderful fall evening," Mellette said.

Mellette said that without the generosity of those involved, it would not be possible.

"We appreciate the restaurants and caterers who donate the food, sharing samples of their menu, and we hope that it is a way for them to reach new customers," she said.

"Everybody has just been so gracious. Everything is donated. The food is provided and the musicians donate their time and talent to make it happen."

Several local restaurants have agreed to supply food. Yahoola Creek, Atlanta Highway Seafood, Papa John's, Anastasia, Brenau Catering and several others are already on board. Mellette said LLRC was working to get others involved.

Festivities include performances by local musicians Walter Biel and Jerry Wood playing classic rock and country. Mitch Perez and Cindy Finelli will entertain the crowd with their guitar and vocals.

Mellette said West Hall High School senior Betsy Cruz has been working to get an art gallery set up at the event with works by Cruz and other students on display.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit the Lake Lanier Rowing Club, a nonprofit organization that promotes rowing in North Georgia, as well as keeping alive the legacy of the 1996 Olympic venue site on Lake Lanier.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the event. To purchase tickets in advance, visit online.